That’s just how the Dan Campbell Lions play football.
The Detroit Lions faced criticism for what many perceived as a controversial play during their recent wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Rams. After celebrating their first playoff win since 1992, the team now prepares for a challenging matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During the Lions victory over the Rams, a specific play drew attention as Rams tight end Tyler Higbee suffered a torn ACL and MCL following a hit by Lions safety Kerby Joseph. While Joseph insists that he didn’t intend to harm Higbee, he faced substantial criticism, including from Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
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Stafford was heard saying, “Hey, that’s a good hit. You’re dirty as f***, though, and you know it. You’re dirty as f***; it’s been on tape, I’ve seen it. Hey, it’s been on tape.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell came to the defense of Joseph, asserting that this is just their style of play. Campbell maintained that their defensive approach is not dirty, but rather aggressive.
This incident marked the second injury resulting from a hit by Joseph in recent weeks with Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson suffering a torn ACL and MCL in December. Joseph expressed sympathy for Higbee but affirmed that he would not alter his playing style.